Steve Minter, a giant in the Cleveland community and a leading figure in the development of Cleveland State University over the last 15 years, passed away September 19. Below is a statement from Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands:

It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of sadness that we collectively mourn the loss of Steve Minter.

A cornerstone of life at CSU for the past 15 years, Steve touched so many lives at so many different levels it is difficult to quantify the incredible impact he had and legacy he leaves. Leader, mentor, colleague, and friend to countless CSU trustees, faculty and staff, Steve will be remembered as one of the most compassionate, genuine, and impactful individuals who graced our campus.

An Executive-in-Residence at CSU since 2003, Steve advised three presidents and facilitated countless collaborations between the University and the business and civic communities. A trusted steward of our University during times of leadership transition, Steve served as Interim Vice President for Advancement and chaired many search committees over the past 10 years that were instrumental in reshaping our leadership team and helping create the University that exists today.

Last month, I had the honor and privilege to spend time with Steve as he received the prestigious 2019 Distinguished Friend of Education Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Boston. This award recognized his lifelong work as a supporter of higher education, CSU, our students, our mission, and our community. I wish all of you could've experienced the incredible joy in the room as Steve's impact on Cleveland was shared and he told his - and our - story.

I look forward to celebrating his life with you and our community in the coming days and weeks, when I hope to hear more stories about how Steve touched us. We are all truly blessed to have had him as a part of our lives.

For today, our prayers go out to Steve's family and many friends who feel devastated by his loss.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2 at 11 a.m. at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights.